Honda Civic vs Mazda Protege
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2003 Mazda Protege
Overview
| Spec | Honda CivicLX | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | DX |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2003 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Honda CivicLX | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,695 | $13,680 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $23,822 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $28,222 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $28,907 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 21 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Honda CivicLX | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 36 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 32 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 41 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 14.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Honda CivicLX | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 150 hp (best) | 130 hp |
| Torque | 133 lb-ft | 135 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Honda CivicLX | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 14.8 cu ft (best) | 12.9 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 2,875 lbs | 2,634 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 in (best) | 102.8 in |
| Length | 184.8 in (best) | 175.3 in |
| Width | 70.9 in (best) | 67.1 in |
| Height | 55.7 in (best) | 55.5 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Honda CivicLX | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Honda Civic | Mazda Protege |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $24,695 MSRP(Currently comparing) | DX $13,680 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Sport $26,695 MSRP | LX $15,415 MSRP |
| 3 | Sport $27,895 MSRP | ES $16,140 MSRP |
| 4 | Sport Hybrid $29,395 MSRP | Base $19,980 MSRP |
| 5 | Sport Hybrid $30,595 MSRP | Base $20,480 MSRP |
| 6 | Si $31,495 MSRP | — |
| 7 | Sport Touring Hybrid $32,395 MSRP | — |
| 8 | Sport Touring Hybrid $33,595 MSRP | — |
| 9 | Type R $47,395 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Honda Civic21 for sale
See all
Used2024 Honda Civic
Touring
Aegean Blue Metallic•Black42,293 mi$26,412Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Santa Margarita, CA
New2026 Honda Civic
Sport
Crystal Black Pearl•Black4 mi$28,222MSRP $29,090Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Santa Margarita, CA
Used2024 Honda Civic
EX-L
Meteorite Gray Metallic•Black21,052 mi$25,733Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Santa Margarita, CA
New2026 Honda Civic
Sport
Platinum White Pearl•Black4 mi$28,300MSRP $29,545Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Santa Margarita, CA
Used2025 Honda Civic
Sport
Meteorite Gray Metallic•Black19,188 mi$25,110Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Santa Margarita, CA
Used2025 Honda Civic
Sport
Solar Silver Metallic•Black15,375 mi$25,011Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Santa Margarita, CA
Honda Civic vs Mazda Protege FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Honda Civic or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Honda Civic vs 2003 Mazda Protege on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Honda Civic or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Mazda Protege starts lower at $13,680. Live Honda Civic listings start at $23,822.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Honda Civic or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2003 Mazda Protege leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,680).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Honda Civic or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2026 Honda Civic leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (49).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Honda Civic or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2026 Honda Civic leads on horsepower in this comparison (315).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Honda Civic vs 2003 Mazda Protege?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Honda Civic (5/5 NHTSA overall).